The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia has expressed its solidarity and support to the Somali citizens living or residing in Morocco and Libya, who have been affected by natural disasters in the past weeks. The ministry said that it has been in contact with the authorities of both countries to provide assistance and relief to the Somalis in need.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia Mr. Hamsa Aadan Haadow, the Somali government has sent condolences and assistance to the Moroccan and Libyan governments, who have faced problems caused by landslides and other storms. He said that the Somali Embassy in Morocco visited the places where the landslides occurred, and confirmed that there was no Somali community that had been affected by those disasters. He also said that the disasters that occurred in Libya have been overcome by the Somalis living in that country, who have shown resilience and courage.
Mr. Haadow urged the Somalis living or residing in Morocco and Libya to contact the ministry or the embassy, especially if they are in distress or need any help. He said that the ministry is ready to provide any assistance or guidance to the Somali citizens abroad. He also thanked the Moroccan and Libyan authorities for their cooperation and hospitality towards the Somalis in their countries.
The ministry’s statement comes after a series of natural disasters hit Morocco and Libya this week, causing deaths, injuries, and damages. This week, Morocco and Libya have been hit by disasters. Morocco suffered a powerful earthquake that killed more than 2,900 people and damaged many buildings in Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. Libya faced strong winds and tsunami-like floods that broke two dams and swept away thousands of people in the eastern city of Derna.
The Somali government has been working to strengthen its relations with Morocco and Libya, as part of its foreign policy of enhancing cooperation and partnership with African countries. Somalia and Morocco have signed several agreements on trade, investment, education, culture, and security. Somalia and Libya have also agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies after years of conflict.